Psychology GCSE

Psychology GCSE

Why study Psychology? A Subject for Life

Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behaviour, and psychologists are interested in trying to discover why people behave the way they do, whether these behaviours are normal or abnormal. By using scientific methods, we attempt to explain how the mind works and why people behave in the way that they do.
Psychology is the study of thought and behaviour, a wide field of study which investigates the backgrounds of human behaviour. Psychology is a science and as such it balances scientific rigour with a flexibility and creativity of approach not found in older sciences.
Psychology at GCSE provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding of how psychology works; its essential role in society and through this, an awareness of why psychology matters. Students develop a critical approach to scientific evidence and methods and as a result become critical reflective lateral thinkers.
It is an ideal subject to take if you are planning on any career which involves extensive interaction with other people. Psychology is not just an academic subject, but a life skill – what could be more important than understanding other people?

Entry Requirements

You must have good literacy skills and should have a curiosity about the subject and the ability to think for yourself.

Course Content

The specification we follow is the OCR Syllabus. In accordance with the school’s policy, ALL students will be entered for the Unit One exam and Unit Two exam (both sat at the end of Year 11), regardless of whether or not they intend to progress onto the A Level.

All students receive a copy of their entire GCSE syllabus during their first psychology lesson.

Students learn about scientific methodologies which achieve empirical results as with any of the sciences. Psychology can lead to deeper insights as there is scope for hypothesis as well as philosophical debate. Students never lose sight of scientific methodology. Evidence must always be presented; think about CSI and Criminal Minds, developing young scientists with inquisitive minds. Students need to present ideas concisely accurately and neatly. Above all they must be able to think objectively in a critical manner.

Unit One (covered in Year 10) and Unit Two (covered in Year 11) content:

Unit One (content covered in Year 10):
Studies and Applications in Psychology 1

There will be no internal assessment that leads to marks that contribute towards the GCSE Grade.

Assessment

GCSE Psychology Unit One exam (sat at the end of Year 11):

Unit 1: Studies and Applications in Psychology 1

The examination will be a written paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes and will consist of short and medium tariff questions, as well as one extended essay question worth 13 marks.

90 marks (1 hour 30 minutes written exam) 50% of GCSE

GCSE Psychology Unit Two exam (sat at the end of Year 11):

Unit 2: Studies and Applications in Psychology 2 The examination will be a written paper lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes and will consist of short and medium tariff questions, as well as one extended essay question worth 13 marks. 90 marks (1 hours 30 written exam) 50% of GCSE

Where does it lead?

Past students have gone onto study many different degree courses; these include Psychology, Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry, Law, Clinical Psychology, Criminology, Forensic Science, Criminal Psychology, Health and Social Care, Nursing, Education, Counselling, Occupational Health, Sport Psychology, Armed Forces, Mental Health and much more! The list is very varied and reflects the fact that Psychology is a valued A-level that leads to the development of a critical, analytical approach to information by students who can present their conclusions coherently. Psychology is considered a science by many of the leading Universities and is recommended as a supporting subject for those studying medicine.

Social Influence (Unit Two)
*Bickman, L. (1974) The Social Power of a Uniform. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 4 (1) 47- 61. *Morrell, G. et al. (2011) The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen): The August Riots in England – Understanding the involvement of young people.